Telltale Signs It's Time To Replace Your Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the appearance of hardwood for less while still enjoying a durable floor. If you installed your vinyl flooring several years ago or moved into home with it installed, you may wonder when and if you need to invest in new floors. In a high-traffic home with kids or pets, vinyl can typically withstand heavy use but eventually shows signs of wear. The average lifespan of vinyl flooring is 10 to 25 years, but this can vary by brand and installation quality. Age isn't the only indicator of needing a floor replacement; there may be other warning signs. It's time to replace your vinyl when you notice changes in the floor's appearance or signs of water damage. Another indicator is that the floor makes sounds when you walk over it.

While this flooring type doesn't last forever, you can extend its lifespan with regular maintenance and care. For instance, you can limit the movement of heavy furniture and add soft rugs for protection against consistent foot traffic. Removing scuffs from the floor as soon as you notice them and mopping up water spots immediately are also great ways to preserve your floor. However, despite your best efforts to maintain and care for them, sometimes you'll start to see these telltale signs that it's time to replace your vinyl floors.

You should annually examine of your vinyl floors' appearance to look for any signs of wear, including scratches, cracks, or dents in the planks. Even in the absence of visible marks, your vinyl flooring may appear faded or discolored, often from age or consistent exposure to the sun's UV rays. These dramatic changes in its appearance indicate that you should consider replacing the floor. Not only are these defects unsightly, but letting them persist may also weaken the floor's protective coating. As a result, you make the floor more susceptible to scratching and other issues.

Water damage is a particularly insidious worry. Not only can water stain or buckle your vinyl floors, but when it seeps underneath the floor, it can also cause mold and mildew growth. When you look at the flooring, do you see bumps or loose planks? The adhesive may have worn down, causing your flooring to pull away from the subfloor, possibly from exposure to water. You should replace this area as soon as possible, as it's a tripping hazard. Run your hand over the surface to see if you can feel any subtle changes, like small ridges or bubbling, indicating damage. 

Even something that may seem small, such as your flooring emitting audible cracks, squeaks, or creaks, may be a warning sign that replacement is imminent. Noises can indicate that the floor or the materials beneath have started to deteriorate. Planks may also be loose or out of place. 

Vinyl floors are attractive, requiring less intense maintenance compared to hardwood floors yet still offering a beautiful, similar appearance. While your floor's exact lifespan depends on installation and use, proper maintenance also plays a role towards hitting that 10 year (or further) mark. Protection is another consideration for care, as furniture and other items can eventually wear down the floor, leaving behind gouges. You can use items like floor coasters or felt pads to minimize the pressure. 

Once you have the floor's protection in place, keep it looking great with gentle cleaning. Not only will these methods help maintain your floors' appearance, a cleaning routine prevents buildup of dirt, crumbs, dust, and debris which can easily scratch the vinyl floor coating. When it comes to daily tasks, the easiest ways to clean vinyl floors including sweeping or vacuuming (using the hard floor setting only) any crumbs or dirt to avoid tracking them over the surface, further risking damage.

For deeper maintenance, avoid mistakes such as cleaning vinyl floors with abrasive chemicals or any hardwood cleaner not specifically sold for vinyl floors. Never use anything with wax or ammonia, even for really dirty floors. Instead, use a soft mop with a light coat of water to go over the floor. You can also make a cleaning solution with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 gallon of hot water. Be careful to not saturate the surface, as excess moisture can easily damage the floor, even those made of waterproof vinyl. If moisture slips underneath the planks, it can cause shifting and swelling.